Benefit Support
Our staff and specially trained volunteers can help you understand whether you may be eligible and support you with your application. We can look at your circumstances and help work out if there are any benefits you may be able to apply for. We can help you gather the information you need, complete the necessary forms and understand what happens next.
To request this service, please telephone the shop on 01243 962008 or get in touch via our contact page.
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Attendance Allowance
Required information:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your address and contact details
- Details of your disability or health condition and how it affects you
- Details of your GP surgery or medical centre
- Details of your care home, hospital or hospice if you currently live or stay in one
A non-means tested benefit for eligible people above state pension age.
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and have a disability or health condition that means they need help with personal care or supervision. It is not means-tested, so your income or savings do not affect whether you can receive it.
You may be eligible if you need help with things such as washing, dressing, eating, taking medication or staying safe, or need someone to supervise you. Normally, you must have needed this help for at least six months. There are different rules if you are nearing the end of life, and you may be able to receive the higher rate more quickly.
You do not need to have someone caring for you to make a claim.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Required information:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your date of birth and contact details
- Your bank or building society details
- Details of your GP or other health professional
- Details of any hospital or care home stays
- Information about your health condition or disability and how it affects you
- Any relevant supporting evidence, such as care plans, prescription information or letters from health or care professionals.
A non-means tested benefit for eligible people below state pension age.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a tax-free benefit to help with the extra costs of living with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. It can help with difficulties with everyday activities, getting around, or both. Your income or savings do not affect your entitlement.
You may be eligible if you:
- Are aged 16 or over and usually below State Pension age when making a new claim
- Have a physical or mental health condition or disability
- Have difficulty with everyday activities or getting around
- Expect these difficulties to have lasted, or to last, for at least 12 months.
PIP is not awarded simply because you have a particular diagnosis. What matters is how your condition affects you in your everyday life – for example, your ability to prepare food, wash and dress, manage medication, communicate, make decisions, mix with other people, or plan and follow a journey.
Carers Allowance
Required Information
- Your National Insurance number
- Your bank or building society details
- Your employment details and latest payslip if you are working
- Details of any pension contributions or other allowable expenses
- Details of the person you care for, including their date of birth, address and National Insurance number
- Details of the disability benefit they receive.
A benefit for eligible people who regularly care for someone with a disability or health condition.
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit for people who regularly care for someone with a disability or health condition. You do not have to be related to the person you care for or live with them. You could receive £86.45 a week if you meet the eligibility criteria.
You may be eligible if you:
- You are 16 or over
- You spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone
- The person you care for receives a qualifying disability benefit, such as Attendance Allowance or the daily living component of PIP
- You are not in full-time education or studying for 21 hours or more a week
- Your earnings are £204 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and allowable expenses.
Caring can include helping with washing and dressing, preparing meals, managing medication, shopping, household tasks, attending appointments or simply providing supervision and support.
Universal Credit
Required information:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your bank, building society or credit union account details
- An email address and access to a telephone
- Information to prove your identity
- Details of your income and earnings
- Details of your savings and investments
- Information about your housing costs and rent, if applicable
- Details of any other benefits you receive
- Information about any health condition or disability that affects your ability to work
- Details of childcare costs, if you are applying for help with childcare.
A means tested benefit to help eligible people who are on a low income, out of work or unable to work.
Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with living costs if you are on a low income, out of work or unable to work. It can also provide help with housing costs, children, childcare and people who have a disability or health condition.
Universal Credit is means-tested, which means your income, savings and circumstances are taken into account. You can usually claim if you have £16,000 or less in savings and investments. If you have between £6,000 and £16,000, your payment will normally be reduced. Savings of £6,000 or less do not affect the amount you receive.
You may be eligible if you:
- Are on a low income, out of work or unable to work
- Are aged 18 or over (there are some exceptions for 16 and 17-year-olds)
- Are under State Pension age
- Have £16,000 or less in savings and investments
- Meet the residence and other eligibility requirements.
You can still receive Universal Credit if you are working. There is no limit on the number of hours you can work, but the amount you receive will generally reduce as your earnings increase. Some people, including those with children or a health condition affecting their ability to work, may be entitled to a work allowance before their Universal Credit starts to reduce.